Say this about Penguins GM Jim Rutherford. He sure ain’t bashful about makin’ a big trade.
In what figures to be the marquee deal of the 2018 trade deadline, JR acquired center Derick Brassard from Ottawa for defenseman Ian Cole, goaltending prospect Filip Gustavsson and a first-round pick in the 2018 Entry Draft.
Brassard, a noted Penguin-killer during his days as a Ranger and Blue Jacket, notched 18 goals and 38 points in 54 games for the Senators this season. Not only does the 11-year-vet represent a significant upgrade at third-line center, he possesses the skill to slot up to first- or second-line center in the event of an injury to Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.